Tianjin Quanjian's Anthony Modeste celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during their AFC Champions League clash with Ceres-Negros at Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium in Tianjin, China, January 30, 2018. /CFP
German Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund have high hopes for Sebastien Haller in the new season. The 28-year-old finished his last campaign as a Dutch league winner and top scorer, notching 34 goals and nine assists in 42 appearances for Ajax. He also produced a masterclass in the 2021/22 Champions League, winning the golden boot in the group stage with 10 goals in six matches.
In Haller, Dortmund has added an imposing star with incredible goal-scoring abilities. There is no doubt that the Cote d'Ivoire international has what it takes to fill the huge void left by Erling Haaland's summer move to Manchester City.
"I can hardly wait to be able to feel the support of more than 80,000 spectators as part of the BVB family," beamed Haller when his move to Dortmund was confirmed last month. "Hopefully, we will achieve great things together in the coming years and then be able to celebrate together."
Sebastien Haller of Borussia Dortmund during a press conference at the Borussia Dortmund Training Camp in Bad Ragaz, Germany, July 17, 2022. /CFP
Unfortunately, Haller's euphoria didn't last long. Less than two weeks after the much-anticipated transfer, Haller left Dortmund's training camp because a tumor was discovered in his testicle. After a medical check-up, the club announced that their new signing has to undergo chemotherapy for the malignant tumor and will be out for at least several months.
"Sebastien will now receive the best possible treatment," Dortmund said in a statement. "We wish him and his family a lot of strength and optimism, and our thoughts are with him during this difficult time."
Haller's long-term absence dealt a huge blow for Dortmund, who finished second last season behind champions Bayern Munich, and they have to prepare for life without the center forward with a plan B as soon as possible.
Sebastien Haller of Ajax lifts the Dutch Eredivisie trophy at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands, May 11, 2022. /CFP
After intense negotiations over the last few days, Haller's replacement finally emerged as Dortmund confirmed signing Anthony Modeste from Bundesliga rivals Cologne on Monday.
"After analyzing our performances from last season, we consciously decided to sign a classic center-forward, who offers our attack a certain physicality, aerial presence and goal threat," said Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
"Against the backdrop of Sebastien Haller's illness, we're happy to have fulfilled that profile by adding Anthony Modeste to our squad. He's a seasoned professional, who knows the Bundesliga really well, scored 20 goals last season and is a perfect fit for the football Edin Terzic wants to play at BVB."
Anthony Modeste (L) and Sebastian Kehl, sporting director of Borussia Dortmund, pose during a press briefing in Dortmund, Germany, August 8, 2022. /CFP
Modeste has scored 79 goals for Cologne in two separate spells and helped them finish seventh in the league last season and qualify for the Europa Conference League.
The 34-year-old Frenchman once plied his trade in China in 2017 when Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian made him one of their high-profile summer signings. He netted 11 goals in 20 appearances and left the Chines top flight after only one year.
According to multiple German media outlets, Modeste will make his Dortmund debut on Friday in their Bundesliga clash with SC Freiburg.
Alexis Sanchez looks on during the training session at Inter Milan's training ground at Appiano Gentile in Como, Italy, July 14, 2022. /CFP
Elsewhere, Italian giants Inter Milan announced ending Alexis Sanchez's contract by mutual agreement. The Chilen striker helped Inter to their first league title for 11 years in the 2020/21 season but has struggled to make an impact in the Seria A.
"The club would like to wholeheartedly thank Alexis for these last three seasons in which the Nerazzurri won three major honors, and we wish him all the best for his future career," read an Inter statement.
Renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that the former Arsenal star is now set to move to the Ligue 1 side on a two-year deal, where he will be able to link up with three ex-Gunners Matteo Guendouzi, Sead Kolasinac and Nuno Tavares.